When Jennifer was a child her family moved to New York City. As her father had a television career, she was discouraged from watching television.
When Jennifer was six years old, she began attending a Waldorf school. When Jennifer was nine years old her parents divorced.
Jennifer discovered her acting talent at age of 11 at the Waldorf school. She enrolled in Manhattan's Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing, where she joined the school's drama society.
Jennifer first worked in off-Broadway productions such as Dancing on Checker's Grave and For Dear Life and also supported herself with some part-time jobs.
In 1994 Jennifer auditioned for Monica Geller but Courteney Cox and Jennifer were selected as Rachel Green in the sitcom show Friends.
Jennifer got famous from Friends worldwide. Her character was also her chemistry with Ross, played by David Schwimmer.